Easy opening container



May 30, 1967 N. s. KHOURY EASY OPENING CONTAINER Filed Feb. 19, 1965 INVENTOR NlcK S. KHOURY f ATTORNEYS United States Patent Otice 3,322,296 Patented May 30, 1967 This invention relates in general to new and useful irnprovements in container construction, and more particularly to a novel container of the easy opening type.

A primary object of this invention is to provide a novel peripheral weakening line and there being attached to the removable panel portion a pull tab which is of a constrip portion.

Another object of this invention is to provide a novel container end which includes a removable panel portion defined by a peripheral score line, Iand there being attached to the removable panel portion a pull tab for facilitating the removal thereof, the pull tab being hingedly connected to the removable panel portion and having a stiifened nose which is engageable with the removable panel portion immediately adjacent the score line so as to apply a localized pressure on the removable panel portion and thereby effect the initial rupture of the container end,

panel as normally cured to a panel by means of a rivet.

A further object of this invention is to provide a novel pull tab which has a stiifened nose for exerting a localized with the pull tab being of a one-piece construction.

Yet another object of this inventlon is to provide a novel pull tab which is intended to exert a panel rupturing pressure with a nose thereof, the pull tab being provided with a peripheral rib which terminates at the nose in two terminal ends which are transversely spaced and which define the stiened nose.

A further object of this invention is to provide a novel pull tab A still further object of this invention is to provide a novel but simple one-piece pull tab which is readily formed from sheet metal and which is reinforced to have Sufficient stiffness where required, the pull tab including a pull ring which is reinforced by the reverse folding of the inner and outer peripheral edges thereof, the pull ring being connected to a tab body by means of a weakened in two transversely spaced terminal ends which dene a stiffened nose on the tab body, and the tab body further having a C-shaped cut therein opening towards the nose and defining a mounting ear which is hingedly connected to the tab body along a transverse hinge line disposed intermediate the mounting ear and the nose.

With the above and other objects in View that will hereinafter appear, the nature of the invention will be more clearly understood by reference to the following detailed description, the appended claims and the several views illustrated in the accompanying drawing.

In the drawing:

FIGURE 1 is a fragmentary top perspective view of an easy opening container formed in accordance with this invention.

FIGURE 2 is an enlarged fragmentary plan view of the container of FIGURE 1 and shows the: specific details of the easy opening features thereof.

FIGURE 3 is an enlarged fragmentary vertical sectional view taken Ialong the line 3-3 of FIGURE 2 and shows FIGURE 5 is an enlarged fragmentary vertical secposed in recessed relation with respect to the double seam 13, as is clearly shown in FIGURE 3.

The end panel 14 is provided Iwith a peripheral weakening line in the form yscore 15 which is continuous and It is a primary purpose of this invention to provide means for removing the panel portion 16 by means of including welding, could be utilized.

The pull tab 17 includes a tab body which is generally referred to by the numeral 19. The tab body 19 includes a body panel 20 which is defined by an upwardly directed rib 21 which extends about the periphery of the body panel 20 with the exception of one end thereof at whlch end the rib 21 terminates in two transversely spaced terminal ends 22. The end of the tab body 19 where the rib 21 terminates generally corresponds to the configuration of the adjacent portion of the score line 15 and in the illustrated form of pull tab, is disposed upon a slightly curved line. Due to the fact that the terminal ends 22 are relatively closely spaced, it will be seen that they deflne therebetween a `relatively stiff nose 23 which is engageable with the underlying panel portion 16 immediately adjacent the score line 15 for the purpose of exertmg a localized downward pressure on the removable panel portion 16 which is sufficient to effect the rupture of the end panel 14 along the adjacent portion of the score line 15.

The body panel 20 of the tab body 19 has formed in the central portion thereof a generally C-shaped c ut 24 which opens towards the nose 23. The cut 24 terminates at the two ends thereof in small diameter apertures 25 which are for the purpose of preventing the accidental tearing of the body panel 20 as a continuation of the cut 24. The cut line 24 defines a mounting ear 26 which is connected to the remainder of the body panel 20 along a hinge line which extends between the apertures 25. As is clearly shown in FIGURE 3, the mounting ear 26 1s provided with an opening 27 therethrough through which the rivet 18 passes. The rivet 18 -serves to tightly clamp the mounting ear 26 against the underlying portion of the removable panel portion 16.

The pull tab 17 also includes a pull ring which is generally referred to by the numeral 28. The pull ring 2S is circular in outline and lis formed of the same material as the tab body 19. It is to be noted that the pull ring 28 is reinforced by an inner reversely turned fiange 29 and an outer reversely turned flange 30, the fianges 29 and 30 being in opposed relation and being so positioned whereby the raw edges of the metal of the pull ring 28 are also concealed.

When the pull tab 17 is secured against the end panel 14, it will be seeen, as is shown in FIGURE 3, that the pull ring 28 tightly engages the removable panel portion 16. In order that the pull ring 28 may be easily lifted to facilitate the proper gripping thereof, that portion of the pull ring 28 remote from the tab 19 is upwardly offset to define an upwardly offset portion 31. It will be understood that the amount of offset is such so as to permit ones fingernail to be readily passed beneath the pull ring 28.

The pull ring 28 is integrally connected to the tab body 19 by means of a connecting strap 32, the outline of which is best shown in FIGURE 2. In order that the connecting strap 32 may readily hinge and still have sufficient strength so as to prevent the accidental tearing thereof, the connecting strap is provided with a central opening 33.

Referring now to FIGURE in particular, it will be seen that when the pull ring 28 is first lifted, there will be a hinging of the connecting strap 32. Then as the pull ring 28 is lifted sufficiently, one can grip the same with ones finger so as to exert the necessary upwardly directed pull on the rear portion of the tab body 19. It will be readily apparent from FIGURE 5 that when an upwardly directed pull is exerted on the tab body 19 by means of the pull ring 28, the tab body will swing as a rigid unit around the hinge line between the apertures 25 with the nose 23 exerting a downward pressure on the underlying portion of the removable panel portion 16. When sufficient pressure is applied, the end panel 14 will rupture along the score line with the end result being that shown in FIGURE 5. Once the initial rupture has taken place, the pull ring 28 may be puled upwardly and away from the point of rupture so as to progressively tear out the entire panel portion 16 along the score line 15.

At this time it is pointed out that the pull tab 17 is advantageously formed of sheet metal and is of a one piece con-struction. However', it will be readily apparent that the structural details of the tab body 19 and the manner in which it is connected to the panel portion 16 may be utilized when the pull ring 28 is formed separately or when some other type of handle or lifting means is provided on the tab body 19. Also, it will be readily apparent that it is feasible to form the tab body of other materials than sheet metal, such materials including pla-Stic, etc.

Referring once again to FIGURE 5 in particular, it will be seen that inasmuch as the portion of the pull tab 17 which is rigidly clamped to the end panel 14 does not move during the initial rupturing process, there is no beam action set up in the removable panel portion 16 which resists the deflection thereof. In view of this, the pull necessary to effect the rupture of the end panel 14 is much lless than that wherein the entire pull tab is in the form of a rigid lever.

Although only a preferred embodiment of the pull tab has been specifically illustrated and described herein, it is to be understood that minor variations may be made in the pull tab and the associated container without departing from the spirit of the invention, as defined in the appended claims.

I claim:

1. An easy opening container member comprising a panel having -a weakening line defining a removable panel portion, and a pull tab for facilitating the initial rupture of said panel Iand the tearing out of said panel portion, said pull tab including a tab body, a mounting ear yattached to said tab body, and means permanently securing said mounting ear to said panel lportion with one end of said tab body aligned with an adjacent portion of said weakening Iline whereby when the `opposite end of said tabe is moved away from said panel portion said one tab end will exert a pressure on said panel portion along said weakening line, said tab having an uninterrupted peripheral reinfor-cing rib extending along each side thereof from said one end beyond said mounting ear, said reinforcing rib having terminal ends disposed at said one tab body end in spaced relation and defining at said one end a stiffened nose for applying a localized pressure on said panel portion.

2. The `container member of claim 1 wherein said mounting ear is formed from a central portion of said tab body.

3. The container member yof claim 1 wherein said mounting ear is formed from a central portion of said tab body, and is hingedly connected thereto whereby said tab body may be utilized without unduly stressing said panel portion `around the connection between said mounting ear and said panel portion.

4. The .container member of claim 1 wherein said mounting ear is formed from -a central portion of said tab body and is hingedly connected thereto along `a line disposed generally parallel to said one end.

5. The container member of claim 1 wherein said mounting ear is formed from a central portion of said tab rbody and is hingedly connected thereto -along a line disposed generally parallel to said one end and intermediate said one end and the connection between said mounting ear and said panel portion.

6. An easy opening container member comprising a panel having a weakening line defining a removable panel portion, and a pull tab for facilitating the initial rupture of said panel portion, said pull tab including a tab body, Ia mounting ear attached to said tab body, and means permanently securing said mounting ear to said panel portion with one end `of said tab body aligned with an adjacent portion of said weakening line whereby when the opposite end of said tab is moved away from said panel portion said one tab end will exert a pressure on said panel Iportion along said weakening line, said mounting ear being formed from a central portion of said tab body and being defined by a generally C-shaped cut line terminating at opposite lends in small diameter holes to prevent the undesired tearing of said ear from `said tab body.

7. An easy opening container member comprising a panel having a weakening line defining a removable panel portion, and a pull tab for facilitating the initial rupture of said panel portion, said pull tab including a tab body, a mounting ear Iattached to said tab body, and means permanently securing said mounting ear to said panel portion with one end -of said tab body aligned with an adjacent portion of said weakening line whereby when the opposite end of said tab is moved away from said panel portion said one tab end will exert a pressure on said panel portion along said weakening line, said -container member being a container end, said panel being the end panel thereof, said panel portion constituting a major portion of said end panel, and said pull tab being completely within the outline of said panel portion at all times.

S. An easy opening container mem-ber comprising a panel having a weakening line defining a removable panel portion, and a pull tab for facilitating the initial rupture of said panel portion, said pull tab including a tab body, a mounting ear attached to -said tab body, and means permanently securing said mounting ear to said panel portion with one end of said tab body aligned with an adjacent portion of said weakening line whereby when the opposite end of said tab is moved away from said panel portion said one tab end will exert =a pressure on said panel portion along said weakening line, said weakening line being in the form of a single continuous line defining the periphery of said panel portion, and said pull tab being completely within the outline of said panel portion at all times.

9. The container assembly of claim 1 wherein said pull tab also includes -a handle hingedly connected to said tab body at the opposite end thereof.

1li. The container assembly of claim 1 wherein said pull tab also includes a handle hingedly connected to said tab body at the opposite end thereof, said handle lying flush against said panel portion and having an arched terminal portion for facilitating the initial movement thereof away from said panel portion.

11. The container assembly of claim 1 wherein said pull tab also includes a handle hingedly connected to said tab body at the opposite end thereof, the hinge between said handle and said tab body being in the form of a connecting strap weakened by 4a centrally located aperture.

12. The container assembly of claim 1 wherein said pull tab also includes a handle hingedly -connected to said tab body at the opposite end thereof, said handle being in the form of a pull ring.

13. A pull tab for easy opening containers comprising a tab body having one end particularly adapted for applying an inwardly directed rupturing pressure on a container panel when the opposite end thereof is moved outwardly, said tab having a mounting ear positioned centrally thereof and hingedly connected thereto, said tabhaving a peripheral reinforcing rib with terminal ends disposed at said one tab body end in spaced relation and defining at said yone end a stilfened nose for applying a localized pressure on la container panel.

14. A pull tab for easy opening containers comprising a tab body having means at one end particularly adapted for applying an inwardly directed rupturing pressure on -a container panel when the opposite end thereof is moved outwardly, said tab body having a mounting ear formed from the central portion thereof, said mounting ear being `defined by a generally C-shaped cut line and being connected to said tab body along a hinge line.

15. The pull tab of claim 14 wherein said hinge line is generally parallel to said one end and is disposed intermediate said one end and said mounting ear.

16. The pull tab of claim 13 wherein said pull tab also includes a handle hingedly connected to said tab body at the opposite end thereof, the hinge between said handle and said tab body being in the form of a connecting strap weakened by a centrally located aperture.

17. The pull tab of claim 13 wherein said pull tab also includes a handle hingedly connected to said tab body at the opposite end thereof, said handle being in the form of a pull ring normally lying flush with said tab body and having an -arch terminal portion to facilitate the initial lifting thereof.

18. A one-piece sheet metal pull tab for easy opening containers comprising an elongated strip coniigurated to define a tab body and a pull ring disposed in longitudinal alignment and hingedly connected together by a connecting strap, said connecting strap having a central opening to facilitate bending thereof, said pull ring having reversely turned inner and outer edges reinforcing the same, said pull ring -being upwardly offset remote from said tab body to facilitate the lifting of said pull ring, said tab body having a peripheral reinforcing rib terminating at the end thereof remote from said pull ring in transversely spaced terminal ends defining therebetween a stiffened nose, and said tab body having a -central C-shaped cut opening towards said nose yand defining a mounting ear joined to said tab Ibody along a transverse hinge line.

19. A one-piece pull tab 'for easy opening containers, said pull tab being of the rigid type and having an intermediate mounting ear hingedly connected to the remainder of said tab along an intermediate hinge line disposed much closer to one end of said tab than the other end to provide an effective leverage .action when said other end is elevated to depress said one end, said tab including a body panel at said one end and said mounting ear being connected to said body panel along said hinge line, an upstanding reinforcing rib extending from said one end towards said other end on each side of said body panel and to a point clearly beyond said mounting ear whereby said leverage action may be obtained without bending of said tab in the vicinity of said mounting ear, and a finger receiving pull portion connected to said reinforcing rib.

20. The pull tab of claim 19 wherein said reinforcing rib has converging -transversely spaced end portions at said tab one end and said body panel is generally triangular in outline at said one end to provide a stiff nose on said tab at said `one end.

21. A one-piece pull tab for easy opening containers, said pull tab being lof the rigid type and having an intermediate mounting ear hingedly connected to the remainder of said tab along an intermediate hinge line `disposed much closer to one end of ysaid tab than the other end to provide an effective leverage action when said other end is elevated to depress Said one end, said tab including a body panel at said one end and said mounting ear being connected to said body panel along said hinge line, rigid reinforcing means extending from said one end towards said other end `on each side of said body panel and to a point clearly beyond said mounting ear whereby said leverage action may be obtained without bending of said tab in the vicinity of said mounting ear, and a finger receiving pull portion connected to said reinforcing rib.

References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS `2,092,671 9/1937 Hildebrandt 220-48 3,221,924 12/1965 Harvey et al. 220-454 3,232,474 `2/ 1966 Dunn 220-54 THERON E. CONDON, Primary Examiner. G. T. HALL, Assistant Examiner.

Dedication 3,322,296.-Nick S. Khoury, Chicago, Ill. EASY OPENING CONTAINER. Pa-

tent dated May 30, 1967. Dedication filed Feb. l, 1982, by the assignee, Continental Can C0.

Hereby dedicates to the Public the remaining term of said patent.

[Ocal Gazette September 21, 1982.] 

1. AN EASY OPENING CONTAINER MEMBER COMPRISING A PANEL HAVING A WEAKENING LINE DEFINING A REMOVABLE PANEL PORTION, AND A PULL TAB FOR FOR FACILITATING THE INITIAL RUPTURE OF SAID PANEL AND THE TEARING OUT OF SAID PANEL PORTION, SAID PULL TAB INCLUDING A TAB BODY, A MOUNTING EAR ATTACHED TO SAID TAB BODY, AND MEANS PERMANENTLY SECURING SAID MOUNTING EAR TO SAID PANEL PORTION WITH ONE END OF SAID TAB BODY ALIGNED WITH AN ADJACENT PORTION OF SAID WEAKENING LINE WHEREBY WHEN THE OPPOSITE END OF SAID TAB IS MOVED AWAY FROM SAID PANEL PORTION OF SAID ONE TAB END WILL EXERT A PRESSURE ON SAID PANEL PORTION ALONG SAID WEAKENING LINE, SAID TAB HAVING AN UNINTERRUPTED PERIPHERAL REINFORCING RIB EXTENDING ALONG EACH SIDE THEREOF FROM SAID ONE END BEYOND SAID MOUNTING EAR, SAID REINFORCING RIB HAVING TERMINAL ENDS DISPOSED AT SAID ONE TAB BODY END IN SPACED RELATION AND DEFINING AT SAID ONE END A STIFFENED NOSE FOR APPLYING A LOCALIZED PRESSURE ON SAID PANEL PORTION. 